From the 14th to the 16th of April, the picturesque town of Felletin in France played host to the 7th European Felt Days, an event dedicated to the art of felting. As a feltmaker, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend this event after four long years. Felletin is located near Aubusson, renowned for its tapestries that have been declared as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.
The event was filled with exciting activities such as the Défilé and Feutre de Scene exhibition at the grand Gothic church of Notre-Dame-du-Château and the Salon des Createurs. Masterclasses, short workshops, tapestry company tours, and the community work La Forêt were other highlights of the event. The organizers had planned an extensive and interesting program that kept us engaged throughout.
As a feltmaker, I found it valuable to exchange ideas and techniques with other feltmakers from different countries. An aperitif offered by the organizer provided a perfect opportunity for international exchange. It was also a great platform to promote the International Feltmakers Association (IFA).
I also attended a plant dye workshop with Cindy Pavis, which was a wonderfully colorful experience. One of my works was showcased in the Défilé and will be exhibited alongside works by 45 participants from 10 different countries at the Feutre de Scene exhibition in Felletin until June 25, 2023.
Looking ahead, the 8th European Felt Days will take place in the spring of 2025, and I am already looking forward to attending this event once again. It is an excellent opportunity to meet other feltmakers from around the world and continue to learn and grow in the art of felting.
Written by Johanna Rösti, IFA Region 15, edited by Julia Royzrakh
